DC ExtraTime: Ashley the Masterchef?

 #DCBLOG's BEST OF 2017 

From Week 7 of The Challenge XXX

● Updated 8/25/18 to Include Video; person sitting next to Ashley is comedian & Las Vegas personality Gig Schmidt, not Gordon Ramsey as first reported.

BY DC CUEVA                     
■ @DC408Dxtr  @ TW / IG / YT

With all that we've seen in these first six episodes, it seems as if it was only last week that we saw Ashley M. bolt from Dirty 30 when she had lost all hope to defend her title after her luggage got lost in the airport and had yet another one of those meltdowns. And unlike other instances when someone had to quit and then get bearded by TJ Lavin and trolls on social media, this one was needed both emotionally and physically after her Invasion win and that emotional battle on Champs vs. Pros against Lolo Jones, where she also sprained her ankle… not to mention this past week, the untimely passing of her father.
   Obviously, so much has happened for Ashley in the course of an entire year, and we discussed this at length in our premiere WRAP, in case you haven't checked that out yet. But for those who needed their Ashley fix, they got it in the most unusual of settings and across the TV dial on the broadcast networks.

If you're into a fan of the broader reality TV spectrum beyond just the MTV world, then you likely have heard of MasterChef. It is the king of reality-based cooking shows whose roots date back to 1990 in England, but it was only during the age of reality TV becoming commonplace many years later that it would begin to flourish. The show's format has been franchised in over forty countries, airs in over 200 of them and has seen novices, professional working chefs, celebrities and even kids take to the kitchen to put together the very best dishes in the quest to become winner, gain a cash prize and a cookbook in their name.
   The most successful iteration of the MasterChef franchise came down under where it became one of the highest rated series in Australian television history. In 2010, the U.S. version began on FOX and has become popular in its own right, due in no small part to the presence of chief judge Gordon Ramsey. He has become renowned to fans of this sub-genre for having a fiery temper, being a strict in his demeanor in the stiff upper lip persona Englishman are known for, and dropping expletives much more often than what we saw Ryan Devlin do on the AYTO 5 kids… all in the name of trying to get all that food not only right, but also as perfect as if every last detail is magnified.
   Forbes magazine has Gordon as one of the world's highest paid celebrities thanks to a line of his self-named restaurants located in Europe (chiefly in London), North America and elsewhere, as well as other shows he hosts outside of his MasterChef duties. Four of the ten American-based restaurants that bear his name are, in fact, located in what was once an oasis for all-you-can-eat buffets but has turned into a capital of quality dining - the Las Vegas Strip: a Burger joint inside Planet Hollywood, a recently opened Fish & Chips place at The LINQ near the High Roller Ferris wheel, a Steak House at the Paris hotel, and a Pub & Grill inside Caesars Palace… and that's where this story takes us to.

The midweek episode of MasterChef Season 8 that aired two weeks ago, the night after Episode 5 of Challenge Dirty 30, saw the top 12 chefs take on a big task at the first of its kind themed resort in this heaven for tourists: the 50th anniversary party for Caesars Palace. The dozen who made it to this stage of the game did their two-team challenge not in a big kitchen inside the hotel far from the casinos, but outdoors under the stars and in the pool area of the famed Roman resort in the same spot where many of boxing's greatest fights during the '80s and early '90s (i.e. Hagler vs. Hearns and the "Fan Man" fight at Bowe--Holyfield II) took place.

   In this challenge, the goal of teams lead by aspiring cooks Dino and Daniel, who won the previous challenge on the episode proceeding, were to create a dish to satisfy VIP's from entertainment and hospitality in Las Vegas. During the challenge itself, Daniel's blue team began well as he distributed their task around his entire team, while Dino's red team started slowly and earned Gordon's wrath which, certainly, makes TJ Lavin feel like just another reality competition host. Dino's squad hastily prepared their dish first but after it prepared too quickly, they turn it around and complete first. When dinner time comes around, the party guests chose Dino and his team who had the best dish and won.

From a Twitter user

To the average viewer of MasterChef, they might not know a lot about MTV reality shows and don't usually see the kind of big time drama and sometimes raunchy and risque behavior young adults go through. But for, perhaps, the handful those who were watching that night who also are Challenge fans, they spotted someone familiar at the dinner table and actually had the money spot of sitting next to Gordon Ramsey. One suspecting viewer on Twitter (because the user name contains an explicit word, we won't publish that on here) was watching that episode of MasterChef and tweeted the following to Ashley: "When you're watching MasterChef and spot a VERY unexpected surprise. @MTVASHLEYBROOKE what!?! 🤣🤣 #thechallenge meets #masterchef"
   Ashley then went to her Instagram @MTVAshleyBrooke to then tell everyone that, though she had just won $125,000 for being an unlikely Challenge champion, the chance to help out on a show with one of the richest men in the world was too good to pass up: "It wasn't a challenge (😂) judging these two teams. I am such a @gordongram fan this was a dream come true. #masterchef #thechallenge #fox #mtv #gordonramsay #foodie" Ashley K. commented, "Wait what?! How fun!", while Amanda added, "Hahaha I love that face I'm dead."  
   For a moment, those who watched didn't get to see Ashley go into all-out Smashley mode or cry, or as she told an Instagram user, "usually at the same time." But after what she went through after her surprise finals win, that grueling experience on Champs vs. Pros and everything that took place during this time including a move to Las Vegas and her budding modeling career, she really did need this time to reenergize in preparation for returning to a Challenge. Getting a chance to sit alongside Gordon Ramsey surely adds to her glowing star.

It wasn't a challenge(😂) judging these two teams. I am such a @gordongram fan this was a dream come true. #masterchef #thechallenge #fox #mtv #gordonramsay #foodie

A post shared by Ashley Brooke Mitchell (@mtvashleybrooke) on Aug 20, 2017 at 3:41pm PDT

- I AM DC

DC FORUM Special: The Challenge XXX Reunion Revealed (EXCLUSIVE)

 #DCBLOG EXCLUSIVE 

The views & opinions expressed in DC FORUM are only of its host and guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of DCBLOG or affiliated parties.

A DCBLOG Discussion

WITH DC CUEVA & KAITLYN MACISCO  

■ @DC408Dxtr / @KMacisco

We're at the end of a crazy and packed week of the shows you love known simply, to this site at least, as the MTV Trifecta. Earlier, we covered a bar brawl on Floribama Shore, and still ahead it's the always intense season finale of Are You The One?, drama brewing on Champs vs. Stars, and the start of the countdown to yet another new season of The Challenge - Vendettas. But here on this winter's weekend, we're about to offer you something special to wrap up something that started all the way over the summer and ending just before Thanksgiving.  Make that, X-X-Xtra special.

The long and winding road that was The Challenge XXX: Dirty 30 began all the way back in June when this season and its trailer was first revealed at a panel discussion on MTV reality TV with the genre's most well-known producers in Austin, TX. This news broke while I was on vacation with my kids celebrating my niece's birthday in Disneyland, and I still remember where I was when the buzz began while I was at lunch.
   Dirty 30 premiered a month later, and 19 weeks after it began down in Colombia and then with the final down in Argentina it reached a crescendo in New York with a Reunion that stretched out a season that lasted 17 regular episodes with two additional ones on top of that as a lead-in to the premiere of Champs vs. Stars. Along the way, we had a lot of exciting action on the field, compelling drama off of it, exciting battles in the eliminations and sometimes off of it, and more twists and turns than you can count with your fingers.
   From a Redemption House and an elimination Double Cross to talk of racism and dirty gameplay, we had everything on this season... which saw the show hand out its biggest prize ever: $1 million, following in the leads of both AYTO and Stranded with a Million Dollars. In the end, things ended with a final result that didn't leave everyone satisfied: while a great competitor in Jordan deservedly won his second Challenge title and received $450,000 for smoking everyone in the final, someone who wasn't even at the Reunion won for the ladies, but it's because of Camila's actions that led up to it that left a sour taste in fans' mouths.

Now, to add more to a season that saw both the show and this site step things up for Season 30, we're concluding this season with one of the things that emphasizes our vision of offering an angle on the shows you love that you can only get right here at DCBLOG. Something we did early on to gain experience covering the MTV world was of looking at the entire process of filming an end-of-season reunion from the point of view of being part of the live audience, and here we're bringing it back for this special, one-time-only return of DC FORUM's Reunion Revealed.
   Along with revealing the final placings of the final that took two weeks to reveal, The Dirty 30 Reunion saw a lot of stunning revelations among some of the cast, rehashing of things that took place down in Colombia, an argument between two alpha females, and much more. And joining me here again to discuss the live taping experience and the season is a fellow fan and follower of mine who I first had on four years ago for the first of this site's discussions, and who went not only to the taping of the Portland Real World Reunion, but also this Challenge reunion too: Kaitlyn Macisco.

   After the jump, DCBLOG presents a DC FORUM Special: The Challenge XXX Reunion Revealed as Kaitlyn and I get to chat all things Challenge once again.  Join us there.

DC ExtraTime: Past, Now, Next - A Meeting of Three Generations

Following is an excerpt from DC WRAP for The Challenge XXX Week 4, reposted in the interest of our readers and featuring three members of the cast of The Challenge Vendettas revealed this week.

BY DC CUEVA                     
■ @DC408Dxtr  @ TW / IG / YT

Instagram @TheMikeDiaz

As The Challenge celebrates its 30th season right now, the one that spawned MTV's reality TV ride, Real World, having marked its 25th anniversary earlier this summer, and Are You The One? its fifth season before that, there has been a lot of reminiscing in the Trifecta this year.  Last weekend down in Florida provided us with a chance to embrace the past, the present and the future of The Challenge.

   There in Tampa Bay, Cara Maria flew down to the cigar capital of the world (and home base of AYTO's resident comedian from Season 1 John Jacobs) to not only check out this town, but also help to co-host an event at a local club. Along with hanging out with a resident of Florida's Bay Area in Nicole, the reason she came to what's called by locals as The Big Guava was for an event hosted by a Real World alum and Challenge legend that Cara got to compete with on her second Challenge, Cutthroat back in 2010 in Prague.

We first saw Brad Fiorenza on The Real World San Diego back in 2004 as that guy from Chicago who rode his motorcycle to Cali for a season that saw the cast do work with an America's Cup winning sailing club, traveled overseas to Greece and enjoyed everything about Surf City. Shortly after he moved to Cali, he found himself in love with Southern belle Cameran Eubanks, who would go on to further reality TV fame herself on Bravo's Southern Charm. But in one of the show's most memorable moments, Brad found himself having had a bad night on the town and began to rant in the streets in front of locals... all in front of the local cops. When fellow roommate Randy tried to calm him down, Brad would find himself handcuffed on the same night that another roomie, future Challenge icon Robin, would also find herself in the back seat of a police car and led the one who was back home getting a call from the police house, Jacquese, to put on a sign on his shirt saying "Free Brad!"
   Brad would go on to do eight Challenges, starting on Battle of the Exes 2 and would make it into four finals during his career, including both Duels -- second on Duel II -- and the Gauntlet III marred by what happened with Big Easy. It would have been five if not for a fight that took place between him and Darrell on The Ruins late in the season that cost the both of them their places in the game after Brad instigated the four-time champ into punching him multiple times, which was also Darrell's first time being sent home before a final. But along the way, Brad also found himself in love with a beauty pageant queen named Tori Hall, who came onto Road Rules Viewers Revenge and crossed over into The Challenge in being part of that Gauntlet 3 rookies team that took home the money in Mexico. The two met on that season and then went together again on The Duel II when Brad was on the victory podium and where, on the reunion special, revealed that they were engaged.
   Brad and Tori then went to Cutthroat in 2010 and along with Tyler and Dunbar crossed the finish line together in Prague and shared a victory kiss atop the castle and with $80,000 to bring home after the two got married before leaving for Europe and to ride off into the sunset with good news that would come afterwards. Over a year later, she gave birth to their first child, John, and two years ago welcomed Chase into the world. Unfortunately, not everything lasts and it was revealed on the Brain Candy Podcast with friend Susie Meister that just last year, Tori announced that she & Brad had separated, though they continue to co-parent their two kids.

In dealing with this latest chapter, along with working as part of the local Chicago Public Schools system, Brad has turned to music and to DJ'ing, and the weekend before last, Brad hosted a DJ set at a local club in the Tampa area, with Cara and Nicole in the house supporting him. Below is a pic of one local guy who got to meet the three and hang out with them.

New friends , new alliances and Idk why I'm licking @misscaramaria head 💀 #drynk #picoftheday #selfie #instagood #welldressed #fashion #drinks #alcohol #tattoos #tattoo #ink #inked #mtv #thechallenge #meets #thedrynk

A post shared by Michael Xavier (@themikediaz) on Aug 8, 2017 at 9:49am PDT

- I AM DC

DC SocialPulse: Challenge XXX Dirty 30 Reunion Pt. 2 & Champs/Stars Premiere

*** Advisory: DC SocialPulse contains adult language, objectionable content & spoilers for some readers. Viewer Discretion is Advised. Due to its length, take frequent eye breaks if you're reading this top to bottom. ***

BY DC CUEVA                     

■ @DC408Dxtr  @ TW / IG / YT

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you from all of us at DCBLOG, and as you all enjoy this weekend with family and friends and settle down to food, football, fun times and shopping with those you love, we are have taken a break from the madness of Black Friday and from enjoying those leftovers as we bring you a packed week in the MTV Trifecta, beginning with a Double Shot of The Challenge.

   First, after a long season that started back in July, The Challenge XXX finally reaches its climax as we find out who wins the biggest first prize the show has ever handed out. Additionally, the Dirty 30 competitors will continue to discuss and dish out the best of the season that was: from rivalries and salvaged friendships, to scandalous hook-ups and secret alliances... from one between two veteran ladies to words between a veteran and an upstart.
   Then, the focus turns to the second installment of The Challenge's special spinoff series. This time, it's Champs vs. Stars, as the likes of Bananas, CT, Wes and beast-mode competitor Emily turn their attention to facing off against all-stars. This time, it's professional athletes, Olympic medalists and high rollers from the entertainment world in high stakes all with both personal bragging rights and charity. And yes, one person finds themselves in the drama too.
   Coming up, all the action, reaction and interaction of this Challenge Double Shot, as those of us who've been waiting for the end will finally get there, and those wanting something fresh await Champs vs. Stars. And after the MEGA diary, as the long holiday weekend rolls along on this Black Friday, we'll have a very special guest appearance by the Elf... but it's not Will Farrell. Find out who in Team MTV is in love with Christmas.

First, as we transition in from a long season of Dirty 30 to Champs vs. Stars… if you happen to join us here for the first time - then welcome in and get yourself comfortable. If you're a fan of the fifth major pro sport or any or all of the shows we cover, then DCBLOG is the place for those who want more from the MTV Trifecta. The 'Pulse is an signature feature presenting the other show that takes place concurrent to the madness of what we see on the episodes each week: social interaction between cast, alumni and fans from Twitter as part of the unique, communal viewing experience.

   Presented each weekend as part of our weekly posts, these exclusive running diaries are specially designed, curated and pieced together tweet-by-tweet by me, DC, in real-time and unfiltered to bring the hookups, drama, action and all else to you here. This is a service to all fans -- both those who just want to relive the action, reaction and interaction, and others who didn't experience the buzz at the time of its original airing and are here to catch up for the first time, posted to you here after it airs on TV and carefully compiled while you're catching up on it all between then and now.

   The Pulse is only part of DCBLOG's look Inside the MTV Trifecta and all-encompassing and top-class coverage: we also have Wraps of all the episodes, thoughtful & in-depth analysis, and our other important element of original stories called ExtraTime going beyond the screen to focus on the people and stories of TV's most fascinating reality ecosystem. And this longtime MTV fan who loves these shows as much as you do and who's good friends with a lot of the castmates, proudly brings you unique, insightful and distinctive coverage right here.

Now, let's get down to the business at hand: the following are the actual tweets of the cast, alumni and fans as we got to see the premiere, along with the buildup to, and the aftermath of, the first episode.

• As we begin, please note there is explicit language in many of the tweets below, but they are kept uncensored in order to retain the heat of the moment. So if you are mature enough, please read with discretion. :-)

• Plus, if you haven't watched the episode yet, then do not proceed with reading this post. But need not worry...DCBLOG will compile all of these tweets into these posts after every episode so you won't be in the dark of how your favorites saw this all unfold.

The final act of a long season, and the first act of the second grudge match... It's all ahead on this Double Shot of The Challenge Pulse, as DCBLOG takes you Inside the MTV Trifecta.

DC SocialPulse: The Challenge XXX: Dirty 30 - The Reunion Part 1

*** Advisory: DC SocialPulse contains adult language, objectionable content & spoilers for some readers. Viewer Discretion is Advised. Due to its length, take frequent eye breaks if you're reading this top to bottom. ***

BY DC CUEVA                     

■ @DC408Dxtr  @ TW / IG / YT

We've arrived at the weekend, and as you all are relaxing or getting some pre-Black Friday shopping done just like my colleague did the other day, you've arrived at DCBLOG as we're about to take you Inside the MTV Trifecta. Ahead: a look at what may be MTV's next big thing, but first it's hard to even believe this sentence, but after everything we have been through since the journey of this season began I was in Disneyland, we are just about at the end of The Challenge XXX: Dirty 30.
   In the past two weeks, we have paired down to the final six of Cara Maria, Camila CT, Derrick, Jordan and Tori as they skydived their way into the $1 million final of Dirty 30. There, we saw them tackle the elements and the altitude of the mountains of Argentina as their endurance, skills and the like were tested. But the main star of this was TJ Lavin who, despite not being present, had the last laugh: upon the finish, he told the finalists that they would have to wait to see who wins.
   With the players being fully rested from their stay in South America, this week the scene shifts from the mountains of Argentina to New York City for the first of a two-part Reunion. Mike "The Miz" Mizanin begins his stint as host of the rest of this year's Challenge slate as he presides over the discussion as the Dirty 30 discuss all of the explosive, extreme and ex-communicating moments of this season. And it's here where the finalists will find out who will win their share of $1 million.

We'll have all the action, reaction and interaction for you ahead here, along with a birthday for one of Team MTV's finest and yours truly, and words of tribute to the late Diem Brown. And after the diary, we'll head to London as, with the help of one of the first people to discover a British chart topper, we'll catch up with a Real World and Challenge alum who now calls that city home.
   The reunion, and whatever happened to ginger's ex... it's all ahead on the penultimate edition of The Pulse of The Challenge XXX... And welcome to the weekend.

DC SocialPulse: The Challenge XXX: Dirty 30 - The Finale Part 2

*** Advisory: DC SocialPulse contains adult language, objectionable content & spoilers for some readers. Viewer Discretion is Advised. Due to its length, take frequent eye breaks if you're reading this top to bottom. ***

BY DC CUEVA                     

■ @DC408Dxtr  @ TW / IG / YT

It's the Veterans Day weekend, and it has been an eventful first full week of November in the MTV world: on Monday, there were weddings galore and a new baby for the ladies of Teen Mom 2, and this Sunday music's best will gather in London for the MTV Europe Music Awards. But it has also been a whale of a week for the shows we refer to on here as the MTV Trifecta, as we take you Inside of it here on DCBLOG, starting with the final of The Challenge XXX: Dirty 30.
   A season that began back in mid-July and has lasted all of these past four months finally reached its descent last week when one last Purge took place in Colombia: time-tested veteran Derrick K. took care of what was a fairly easy battle to take the last spot for the guys, while in spite of what happened earlier on Camila won over Team Jailah to take it for the ladies. That set up a final featuring them, CT, Cara Maria, Jordan and Tori that began with a skydive 20,000 feet into Argentina.
   After a scary landing by the man who also plays a cop in his other Tuesday TV gig, this week sees the finalists tackle the familiar setting of a Challenge final in Lionel Messi's homeland, while seeing them brave the elements and the extreme altitude of this majestic region as they through the mountains of Argentina with $1 million in prize money waiting for them. And at the end of all of this, just as you thought that this was gonna finally be the end of the longest season of an MTV Trifecta series since episodes expanded to one hour nine years ago... think again.

All the action, reaction and interaction of this finale of The Challenge XXX is straight ahead here, along with a birthday for the newest MTV newlywed and more from the lead-in and aftermath of Challenge Tuesday. And afterwards, ExtraTime will venture to a haunted house for a Hollywood party, and is The Challenge ready for an Atlanta invasion? Find out there along with perhaps the most intriguing fact we have of this week's blog wave.
   One more time, join us next for the Pulse of the Finale of The Challenge XXX: Dirty 30. And Welcome to the Weekend... #DCBDay Weekend, that is.

DC ExtraTime: Impersonations with Cara Maria

Following is an excerpt from DCBLOG's WRAP of The Challenge: Champs vs. Pros Finale, reposted in the interest of our readers and featuring our subject who was featured in the final of The Challenge XXX: Dirty 30, which we will cover here this weekend.

BY DC CUEVA                     
■ @DC408Dxtr  @ TW / IG / YT

The art of impersonating people: it's one of those things that seems to be everywhere these days. We see it a lot on television, at the comedy club, in improv theaters and on the web, especially in light of what has taken place the past six months in Washington, D.C. It's in this spirit that it's the theme of the last short-form ExtraTime of this cycle, and it's fitting that our subject is the girl who we first saw in Vancouver seven years ago and has established herself as one of the most unique personalities in the MTV community, not just in what we call the Trifecta.

We first met Cara Maria on The Challenge: Fresh Meat II as someone who, as her original MTV bio wrote, "dances to the beat of her own drum." Over time, the sweet deposition she has of someone with an excellent GPA, a college degree in psychology and a love affair with her horse has been overtaken at times by a strong temper and having to regret things that come out of her mouth. Since those humble beginnings of being a one-and-done rookie on her first Challenge (with her partner and Champs vs. Pros champ Darrell), fans have seen her entire career and have seen her personality and status skyrocket to becoming a star on this show despite her not appearing on a Real World prior to taking the plunge into the fifth major sport.
   During this time, we have seen her establish an on-again, off-again romance with a fellow Challenge rebel in Abram, become enemies and friends with fellow winter Class of 2010 alum Laurel, and have seen her make friends and rivals with other fellow Challengers both on screen and off. We have seen her get into some questionable behavior at times, and often she has become a central figure in all of the drama in the house and on the field. And she has become a strong competitor where she has established herself as the queen of eliminations: 17 times she has put on the verge of going home, and 12 times she has escaped with a win. And never did all of these scenarios all come together than on Battle of the Bloodlines, where Cara had to overcome Abe's surprise entry, a supposed kiss with Thomas, a big elimination win over rival Bananas, and getting help from cousin Jamie to reign supreme inside Berlin Olympic Stadium. It was her first Challenge title, although it's the road that led up to it that diminished the achievement somewhat.

The first time I got to see Cara Maria on a Challenge season I watched live was the first modern-era Challenge I got to follow: Battle of the Seasons II, where she was part of a Fresh Meat team that was put together at last minute as if they were strangers found somewhere in the airport in Turkey and were told to enter the game on the spot. Obviously, the team of her, Camila, Eric "Big Easy" and Brandon didn't really gel much and were on their way out at the halfway point.
   When she was on that Challenge - the fifth of what would seven straight Challenges for her, Cara went to her YouTube channel to make a video of her role-playing many of her fellow Challenge castmates. Below is that video, which has since garnered over 100,000 views.

And here are some outtakes...

And with it being one of this year's biggest movies and having ruled the box office for the past few weeks, also in 2012 Cara also got a chance to play the role of Wonder Woman as well, and did a couple videos of her being Wonder Woman for a day all around town.

- I AM DC

DC ExtraTime: From Portland to The Challenge to Perry's Place

BY DC CUEVA                     

■ @DC408Dxtr  @ TW / IG / YT

Tonight as we now reach the final act of an drama and competition-filled thirtieth season of MTV's The Challenge, this Dirty 30 season is ready to reach its climax in a familiar setting of the mountains of Argentina. This was where the first-ever location change for the fifth major pro sport took place when a season many regard as the best ever, Rivals, had its final that saw Johnny Bananas, Tyler, Evelyn and Paula come away victorious. Last year, this was also where the show's most talked about and controversial moment ever took place: Johnny stealing all the $375,000 in prize money from Sarah after the Rivals III final.

   And now, this show has arrived again to determine a champion in its first-ever $1 million final challenge. It's the first time that this venerable show has given away this much money, and it comes at the end of a season that has included just about everything: a great cast, compelling competition, big time drama off of the field, and twists and turns just about as often as a see-saw soccer match. And for the final challenge, we have a stacked field that is about as good as you can have for this last act in a stellar rookie we featured after Part 1 of the final in Tori, and five previous champions: Cara Maria, Camila, CT, Derrick and the subject of this dedicated ExtraTime.

It was five years ago at this time that Jordan Wiseley had traveled back to Oklahoma for some rest and relaxation after filming his Real World season in Portland, Oregon - the last in its original, pure twist-free format. This came just after one of the most jaw-dropping moments we had ever seen on that show: a fight between two girls that made you think that you were watching an episode of Bad Girls Club than the OG of reality TV. That season, we saw him get into heated words with Marlon, pulled a Tom Cruise on Jessica, and was the object of attention of Hurricane Nia.
   That feeling of being unlikable and almost hard to watch set the tone for his career on a show that was made for him considering his strong competitive drive and brash persona before he headed to the Pacific Northwest. His time on The Challenge has seen him make finals in all but one of his seasons -- that one being him challenging champion Bananas where him flipping the cards proved to be his downfall. His first final came by way of a strong rookie showing, his second resulted in him winning the final, and his third is now ongoing -- if only barely. And along the way, in every house we have seen him call home, we have seen Jordan being Jordan... from hookups with three Challenge veterans to most recently a rap battle gone bad in Colombia.
   This unique personality helps to epitomize the spirit of being a rebel and one who loves to do things his way, even if it can rub people the wrong way on occasion. And he's accomplished what he's done on his bucket list with just one whole hand... something he has had since he was born, and he's overcome that lifelong disadvantage to earn the respect of his fellow competitors to now make his third final in four Challenge seasons. When he stood on top of that Norwegian mountain with Sarah after they won Battle of the Exes II two years ago on his last appearance before this year, his reputation had improved considerably. And he stated at the time that this was gonna be the swan song after just three seasons, which came as a surprise to many.
   But in between that and this return on Dirty 30, Jordan has been pursuing modeling and acting, and just this summer launched his own motorcycle line & lifestyle brand, Strapped MFG. And in this ExtraTime, we'll revisit a story we did back in September 2015 when he became... of all people, a police officer under the guidance of one of the most-powerful people in entertainment.

DC SocialPulse: The Challenge XXX: Dirty 30 - The Finale Part 1

*** Advisory: DC SocialPulse contains adult language, objectionable content & spoilers for some readers. Viewer Discretion is Advised. Due to its length, take frequent eye breaks if you're reading this top to bottom. ***

BY DC CUEVA                     

■ @DC408Dxtr  @ TW / IG / YT

This is the first weekend of November, and as you relax and indulge in these next few days with leaves falling outside your window -- or even snow in some places, welcome again to DCBLOG's trip Inside the MTV Trifecta where $1 million is at stake on both shows of our biggest interest. And for a season that started back in the summer heat, now The Challenge XXX is approaching its climax just as another fall tradition, the World Series, has just crowned the Astros as baseball's king.
   Last week in Colombia, a deep field with 13 titles among them were given one more chance at revenge as the Redemption House competed for a chance to regain their spot in the game. In the end, Cara Maria, CT and Jordan outlasted Bananas, Veronica and a host of others to join the main house for the final daily challenge. There, TJ Lavin revealed the twist of them going for $1 million -- The Challenge's biggest ever prize pool, then a second Purge that'll whittle down the field to six players.
   CT, Cara, Jordan & Tori won those spots there, and two more spots remain for the final field of six to contend for that unprecedented purse, and this week sees the battle among the six left for those final slots into the dash for the cash. Then comes the first act of what should be an epic final which harkens back to something that took place the first time I got to watch a modern Challenge and the last non-Bananas season: and what happens there could put their chance at glory in jeopardy.
   All the action, reaction and interaction of this penultimate episode of this landmark season of the fifth major pro sport is ahead... and as this aired, it was October 31st - watch for some Halloween posts in our diary. And after that, we'll offer a hello to the newest members of Team MTV as we will take our first look ahead at what may be the next new hit on MTV's hands: Floribama Shore.

The final elimination, the final challenge, $1 million at stake, and the next Shore thing... it's all ahead on The Pulse of The Challenge XXX. And welcome to the weekend.

DC ExtraTime: Before They Were MTV Stars: On The Red Carpet with Tori Deal

BY DC CUEVA                     

■ @DC408Dxtr  @ TW / IG / YT

Happy November and welcome again to our view Inside the MTV Trifecta at DCBLOG. In a few days, we'll be offering our usual weekend look at The Challenge XXX and Are You The One? as the former heads into its final act and the ladder enters its second half... and both having $1 million on the line. But to tide you over until then here at midweek - and as you all recover from the madness of Halloween and indulge in all of that candy, first we present another dedicated bit from our unique storytelling franchise called DC ExtraTime, featuring an alum of both of those shows.

Instagram @Tori_Deal

As she's on her third MTV show in the span of 18 months, Tori Deal has already made a strong impact on fans and on viewers, charming us with her smart gameplay and awesome personality and humor. She was part of the Season 4 cast of Are You The One? last year, where she made quite a mark… none more so than when she and fellow rapper Giovanni engaged in a rap battle on the season finale and left the poor guy they call the Wolf lying on the floor with the help of her fellow girls in the house and something called the "third eye."
   Ever since, we have seen Tori on two additional MTV shows, and in this latest chapter she has been proven to be both a great cast member and an equally greater competitor competing on The Challenge XXX as a rookie competing for the very first time. She has also had romances with not one, but four AYTO alumni: it began in that Hawaii house with a smooch on Season 4 charmer Asaf, then her perfect match and runner-up on Second Chances - Morgan. Later came her brief and much publicized fling with Mike from not only AYTO Season 3 but also Real World Bad Blood, followed by another short romance we just saw her and Derrick H. from Season 5 earlier this year.
   Okay, so she may not exactly be the very best when it comes to the dating game, but she's now looking to cash in her third straight MTV show in making it to the $1 million final of Dirty 30 after clinching her spot last week. But you may not know that Tori has already racked up a stellar career even before she became more of a household name across America than just in the Big Apple. And on this latest installment of Before They Were MTV Stars, we'll share with you some of what she did before she made the name "Tori Deal" more well known, including making a few friends on a valuable piece of carpet of all things.

DC SocialPulse: The Challenge XXX: Dirty 30 - "A Million More Reasons"

*** Advisory: DC SocialPulse contains adult language, objectionable content & spoilers for some readers. Viewer Discretion is Advised. Due to its long length, take frequent eye breaks if you're reading this top to bottom. ***

BY DC CUEVA                     

■ @DC408Dxtr  @ TW / IG / YT

We've arrived at the last weekend of October, and the countdown is in full gear to the always spooky and entertaining night of Halloween. And as you all try to pick those right costumes and stock up on the candy you'll be passing out to the youngsters in 5 days from tonight, DCBLOG welcomes you again to our look Inside The MTV Trifecta. And this week is full of big time drama and game-changing twists, as we begin with Week 15 of The Challenge XXX, as a season that started all the way back in July is now approaches its conclusion in autumn.
   Last week in Colombia, the serious business began with the scariest of all of the regular challenges took place dozens of stories above ground, as the twelve players left in the main house had to face their fear of heights with power at stake. In the end, Hunter and Jenna came away victorious and sent Jordan and Veronica into the Redemption House, where he had to encounter Cara Maria and tension boiled between the two champions -- bags in the water included. Then, another great elimination battle took place between Johnny and Derrick, which saw the speedy bulldog who returned from a 7-year absence come away with beating the six-time champ.
   Bananas is only part of a stacked Redemption House that has 13 titles among him, CT, Veronica, Jordan and Cara Maria among the ten who occupy those quarters... and this week they'll have one last chance at regaining their spot in the game, and will eventually see heavy hitters hit the road. Then, those who survive join the rest of the house for the season's last regular mission -- which also doubles as the season's second purge: multiple players will eventually be eliminated before the final begins. And something we've known since I was in Disneyland back in June is finally revealed, as TJ Lavin tells the players about the amount they are playing for.

Coming up, all the action, reaction and interaction of this third to last week of this Challenge season along with the usual buzz before and after. After the diary, ExtraTime will have the first of three life-changing stories for three members of the MTV community, and first - what is it like to head to a country that had just had a hurricane prowl through its shores? We'll share you one Real World & Challenge alum's recent eye-opening trip to the Caribbean following Hurricane Irma.
   One last chance at redemption, one last chance to prove yourself, and an eye-opening trip... it's all ahead on The Pulse of The Challenge XXX... and welcome to our weekend at DCBLOG.

DC Strategy Room: The Challenge XXX - Crunch Time in Colombia

BY DC CUEVA                     

■ @DC408Dxtr  @ TW / IG / YT

For one more time this week, welcome back to our look Inside the MTV Trifecta and the early part of the business end of The Challenge XXX - Dirty 30... it's hard to think we've finally arrived here.
   We started this season in the very middle of the summer in mid-July, and so much has gone down in Colombia... just about everything you can imagine has taken place during this landmark season for the MTV show you and I love. We began this journey with a collection of names familiar and fresh: from one whose first time on MTV was nearly two decades ago to a guy who we saw get in a short lived romance with an alum of his fellow show, and in between a stacked cast of champions, veterans and newcomers. And we have seen plenty of drama, awesome competition and so much more... and we haven't seen host TJ Lavin spill the news to the competitors of the $1 million up for grabs.
   It's with all of this in mind that, just before the final Redemption Challenge takes place, this is the perfect time for us to venture into a place we go to each week during Are You The One?, but enter only when the game gets serious on The Challenge: The Strategy Room. Here, we get to don our analyst's hat to analyze where the game situation stands and break things down just like every other site and webcast do every week... something we don't do much of because of our supplementary vision to offer our signature storytelling and social reaction.
   Ahead after the jump from this room, we'll offer a capsule of each of the remaining players, look at what they've done in so far this season, the possibilities that await them and help make sense of it all, followed by our site's first power rankings of the remaining players of the Dirty 30. Afterwards, ExtraTime will let you in on two life-changers for two Challenge champions... join us there.

DC SocialPulse: The Challenge XXX: Dirty 30 - "Pretty Little Backstabbers"

*** Advisory: DC SocialPulse contains adult language, objectionable content & spoilers for some readers. Viewer Discretion is Advised. Due to its long length, take frequent eye breaks if you're reading this top to bottom. ***

BY DC CUEVA                     

■ @DC408Dxtr  @ TW / IG / YT

We have made it to the weekend, and as you settle down to some relaxation this Friday night and the next two days, welcome along to the weekend tradition of DCBLOG bringing you Inside the MTV Trifecta. And this week sees plenty of drama in the MTV world, starting here with Week 14 of The Challenge XXX as a long season finally begins to make its final descent towards the starting line of the final in Colombia.
   Britni, Jordan, Kailah, Tony & Veronica won the most recent challenge, and last week they took advantage of a big twist in the game and made a power move when they sent CT and Cara Maria into the Redemption House. Then, they voted Jemmye into the Presidio, and after the drama of a tied voting round and the always frowned upon burn vote, Queen V then proved her political worth and dirtiness of this game in voting in Leroy. And in the Double Cross, Jenna pulled off her own dirty move and voted in Camila instead of Tori, and the Camilanator would win that battle along with this season's breakout star of Hunter in the always intense setting of a straight head-on elimination.
   With a grand total of just 12 players left in the main draw, this week sees the beginning of crunch time for those players still in the running with the jackpot now starting to come into view -- of course, everyone (except TJ and us) still have no idea that they are playing for $1 million. That dirty dozen will battle in the scariest challenge yet - and you guessed it: it's a heights challenge in one of the tallest buildings in town with power in the game at stake and a chance to flip the script. And in the Redemption House, a rivalry between two stubborn players decides to boil over there, where by nights end an already stacked group will get even more packed in that cramped part of town.

Coming up, all the action, reaction and interaction from this week - a fairly light diary that follows the jump due to, of course, many of this season's cast being overseas filming Season 31. And after the diary, ExtraTime will take a trip back to a place far away from civilization we visited last year as a Real World and Challenge veteran takes a trip to this year's installment of Burning Man.

Battling heights, tensions in Redemption, an epic elimination and a return to the desert.... it's all ahead on The Pulse of The Challenge XXX. And, welcome to the weekend.

DC SocialPulse: The Challenge XXX: Dirty 30 - "Feel The Burn"

*** Advisory: DC SocialPulse contains adult language, objectionable content & spoilers for some readers. Viewer Discretion is Advised. Due to its long length, take frequent eye breaks if you're reading this top to bottom. ***

BY DC CUEVA                     

■ @DC408Dxtr  @ TW / IG / YT

We have arrived at the weekend, and not just any TGIF but Friday the 13th... and as you all try to be superstitious on this unlucky day (including yours truly whose birthday falls exactly one month from now on the 13th), DCBLOG welcomes you in to this week's look Inside the MTV Trifecta, where this theme of 13's sees us lead off with Episode 13 of The Challenge XXX: Dirty 30 from Colombia.
   Last week, there were two Winners of the Night: knowing of the ramifications of what happened a while back, Tony's most eventful Challenge season continued as he took down Dario in the Fortress. The other was one of the returning superstars to this year's Challenge party, as Veronica emerged from her slumber by overcoming being thrown in at nominations to beat close friend Aneesa in the week's elimination in grand style. Then, both of them were on the winning side of the ensuing challenge as Queen V turned back the clock leading her side to the win.
   This week, they, Kailah, Jordan and Britni hold all the power of the game in voting in not only one guy and one girl into the Presidio, but also sending one of each into the Redemption House for which TJ dropped that bombshell after last week's elimination. When one of those three girls feels that they are being silenced, she decides to make a master-class political move that again alters the game's landscape. And that's not all: when the Double Cross takes place... once again dirty play comes a calling, just before one classic elimination setup: going straight head-on.

All the action, reaction and interaction of an episode fittingly titled "Feel The Burn" is ahead here, along with a competitor's obsession with food and another joining the team of one of the stars on next month's Champs vs. Stars. And after the diary, comedy takes the stage on ExtraTime as we'll catch up with a wrestler and a Marines veteran who came to Road Rules, then The Challenge, and is now telling jokes as a comedian, and tonight taking stage at one of the world's greatest comedy clubs.
   Boss moves, a dirty move, moving in a hallway and the Danimal... it's all ahead on the 'Pulse of The Challenge XXX. Y bienvenidos al fin de semana.

DC SocialPulse: The Challenge XXX: Dirty 30 - "Boxed In"

*** Advisory: DC SocialPulse contains adult language, objectionable content 

& spoilers for some readers. Viewer Discretion is Advised. Due to its long 

length, take frequent eye breaks if you're reading this top to bottom. ***

BY DC CUEVA                     

■ @DC408Dxtr  @ TW / IG / YT

On this late Friday night, and as many of you start off this 3-day holiday weekend, welcome on in to DCBLOG's look Inside the MTV Trifecta... where coming up in the next few days, strong couples are taken to task in New Orleans, and a musical takeover in honor of an MTV legend's comeback. But first, we begin this week's ride with our look at Week 12 of The Challenge XXX: Dirty 30 and with half of the field left in Colombia.
   Last week, the challengers' inner Ninja Warrior was tested as they tackled an obstacle course above water and saw many a fall into the waters. But most of the attention were on whoever was left of the Young Bucks alliance: Hunter being dealt an emotional blow when his girlfriend back home broke up with him many miles away, a tense argument with him and Kailah in the club, and his ally Nelson deciding to go all in on Derrick and a swing at him costing his spot in the game.
   And while Hunter deals with this latest blow, this week the house still must proceed with the game and picking their elimination opponents for the largest double cross yet. The end result sees a familiar scenario that we've seen this season in two close friends being forced to go up against one another in a twisted elimination, which then sees yet another twist to the players. And a surprise in the game gives the winners of this week's mission -- a chance to smash and then put brains to the test - a chance to make the biggest power move yet.

Coming up, all the action, reaction and interaction to this week's episode and the buzz of Challenge nation, including that rumor swirling around the hotstove, and reaction to the unfortunate events that took place last weekend in Las Vegas. And as TRL makes its comeback to the MTV screens, ExtraTime will feature music at the end of both our Pulse diaries this weekend, and we'll share with you the first of two music videos after the diary featuring one of our Dirty 30.

   Going up and down, going smash, and Waking Up... it's all ahead on the Pulse of The Challenge XXX... and, welcome to the weekend.

DC SocialPulse: The Challenge XXX: Dirty 30 - "The Love Is The Lonely Hunter"

*** Advisory: DC SocialPulse contains adult language, objectionable content 

& spoilers for some readers. Viewer Discretion is Advised. Due to its long 

length, take frequent eye breaks if you're reading this top to bottom. ***

BY DC CUEVA                     

■ @DC408Dxtr  @ TW / IG / YT

It is the last day of September, and as we experience this change in months this autumn's weekend, welcome again to DCBLOG's look Inside the MTV Trifecta, where we have a busy next few days of posts to share with you. And after yesterday looking at two AYTO alums making their way to Dr. Phil, we're now into the gist of this week's posts as we focus on Episode 11 of The Challenge XXX: Dirty 30, the first of a Saturday SocialPulse doubleheader.
   Last week, the Redemption House took center stage as its latest occupants -- Aneesa, Cory, Hunter, Marie and Nicole -- all competed for a chance to regain their spot in the Main House... not exactly - Marie bailed out early as Hunter regained his spot in the game, and Aneesa converted on her vow to come back after discovering the player had deemed her the devil. And Tony found out from his girlfriend back home Alyssa about his hookup with Camila through, of all things, the web.
   This week as the game turns back to the main house, a call from back home in the States turns the game of one player upside down, as a surprise development sees them question whether or not to press on in the game. The week's challenge sees the players become their own Ninja Warrior (and of course lots of falls), while unresolved tension between two players escalates into words in the club. And one Challenger's morals get tested as things get tense in the Colombian day and night.
   Coming up, all the action, reaction and interaction from this week's episode and the day before and after Challenge Tuesday. And after the diary, if there's one person who helped to trigger the trend of pranks in MTV reality show houses, ExtraTime will step back into the memory bank and ask, "Whatever happened to The Chosen One?"

Falling down, breaking up, a drunken punch and Pretty Boy... it's all ahead on the 'Pulse of The Challenge XXX, as we roll along on our weekend trip through the MTV world at DCBLOG.

DC ExtraTime: Before They Were MTV Stars - When Nelly Met Jerry

Following is an excerpt from a DCBLOG Pulse diary during The Challenge: Invasion from earlier this year, reposted in the interest of readers who don't want to scroll down, and in relation to our subject being a key figure on this week's episode of Dirty 30, which we will cover on here this weekend.

BY DC CUEVA                     

■ @DC408Dxtr  @ TW / IG / YT

Back in January, we looked back at the time when two fairly recent MTV alums: Trey from Real World St. Thomas and two Challenges, and Ryan from Are You The One? Season 1, tried their hand at winning themselves some more money after winning some money on MTV when the two went on CBS game shows The Price is Right and Let's Make A Deal. There, Trey went to TPIR under his actual name of Walter and won a surfboard, and Ryan went to LMAD wearing the same, signature Aladdin outfit he wore to one of the matchup ceremonies from that original AYTO season.
   Well, you can add a third person from the Trifecta to that list, which also brings us to a piece of 90's nostalgia that's still with us today, and worthy for us to share with you in this first piece of ExtraTime this weekend and this latest edition of Before They Were MTV Stars. And if you're into daytime television, then you know that there are a lot of talk shows that air each and every day, and one of them is our co-subject.

Jerry Springer may have been born in London to two Jewish refugees who escaped from Poland to Germany, but it's safe to say he is one of America's greatest treasures. After serving as a campaign adviser to Robert Kennedy before his assassination and being a lawyer, Jerry turned to politics and in 1971 was elected to Cincinnati's city council. He was forced out three years later when he admitted to have hired a prostitute, but won back his seat the following year, which then turned into him becoming mayor in 1977, then running for governor of Ohio and two times for a U.S. Senate seat.
   In the '80s, local NBC affiliate WLWT hired Springer as first a political reporter and commentator, but then became its main news anchor. During his tenure, he occupied a spot once held by Cincinnati's best-known newscaster Al Schottelkotte and then by George Clooney's dad Nick: #1 in the ratings. Much in the same manner as it is today, the final segment in each newscast gave Jerry a chance to do commentary which would morph into his "Final Thought." And it ended with the same phrase at the end of each newscast and show since: "Take care of yourself, and each other."
   In 1991 came another bold venture: The Jerry Springer Show. WLWT developed the show and format to match that of the iconic talk show Donahue...both of which were produced by the station's then-parent company, Multimedia, Inc.  It began in much the same manner as the show of the longtime talk veteran in being more focused on politics and current issues, playing off the subject matter of Jerry's commentaries... and where Jesse Jackson, gun politics and family reunions were the norm. They even shared both the hair style and glasses, too.
   A year after Springer left the anchor desk to focus on his talk show, in 1994 new executive producer Richard Dominick shifted the format to more tabloid topics and sensationalism. Out went serious topics and highbrow issues... in came controversial subjects like prostitution, adultery, homosexuality, being a cross-dresser and being part of a hate group, all featuring everyday people like you and I. Being a '90s guy, I remember watching Jerry's show every day during those summer school breaks off and seeing highlights of it on E!'s Talk Soup, and couldn't get enough watching all this unfold.
   Also in were the kind of stuff that's par for the course in reality TV nowadays: plenty of screaming and on-stage violence, plus sights of the bald head of security guard Steve Wilkos, and the audience chanting "Jerry, Jerry, Jerry!" The result: enormous viewership that rivaled (and in some cities, out-rated) Oprah, and substantial attention that even led to a short-lived commentary gig in Chicago. There was even a musical on London and the U.K. based on the talk show itself, with Jerry's role played by Harvey Keitel.
   Around doing a show still around some 26 years and 3,900 episodes later and as he's into his 70's, Jerry also served as one of the many who have hosted the summer sensation America's Got Talent over the course of that NBC show's past decade on-air. He's also done some talk show work for the jolly old folks over in Britain, and yes, he's also one of the hundreds who have also competed on one of that country's great TV exports: Dancing with the Stars when he appeared in 2006. He even hosts a show on WWE Network, and even recorded an album of country covers (if you can believe that).

IG/@MTV_NellyT

This brings us to why we brought up Jerry in this bit: for five years, Jerry hosted a show on the Game Show Network called Baggage. Like AYTO, it was a dating game show and was one the highest-rated original show in its five seasons on the air on a niche network that has shown just about every TV game show since it went on the air more than two decades ago. Baggage gave three contestants an opportunity to win a date, much like the show that gave the world these romantic game shows, The Dating Game. There was a catch to all this: the contestants brought on set three suitcases: small, medium and large cases with a proposition that is either unique, weird, gross or embarrassing depending upon the story. This necessary piece of travel gear came to represent the "baggage" they had to confess and to defend, and the bigger the case was meant the bigger of these secrets, and likely the most hilarious or shocking the revelation. The three players were then played down to a single one, and the date would then have to reveal something if they wanted the date.

IG/@MTV_NellyT

   For one of those five seasons Baggage was on GSN, the show went on the road to colleges across the U.S., and in one of those episodes of Baggage on the Road it went to Austin, Texas. It also happened to be home base for Nelson, and he auditioned to be one of those contestants to try their luck on going on a date, just as it was for fellow AYTO alums Brittany and Scali on The Choice.

   In another Instagram post, Nelly captioned, "Everybody tune in to the show called "Baggage on the Road", featuring Jerry Springer as the Host and me as one of the contestants. It's a Blessing and I thank him everyday for each opportunity that I have received to reach my Dreams🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏✈️✈️✈️🎬🎬🎬🎬🎥🎥🎥🎥🎥📺📺📺 #GGG #Family #PhotoOfTheDay #Dreams #Love #Selfie"  This also happened to be one of his few TV appearances before he made it onto Are You The One: years before that, he also appeared on a drama called The Lying Game, and took a selfie from the set of ABC's American Crime.
   We do not have a video of Nelson's actual appearance on the show, but embedded below is one of those promos for Baggage on the Road, which still airs on Game Show Network in reruns (the channel is, by the way, a favorite of my younger brother), and beneath that is a screen cap from the show's Twitter account which shows the actual answer inside his suitcase in which he admits that, "I'm a sex addict." Quite fitting for someone we saw in Hawaii and then here on Invasion seeing him go under covers with Latoya in the Shelter.

- I AM DC